s ivice sanjanja, a debut album by Belgrade’s proto tip, is a fascinating dive into post-punk, indie rock, and noise rock world, infused with an ethereal yet gritty sound that feels like wandering through a dreamscape with sharp edges. Released in 2023, the album embodies the vibrancy and intensity of Serbia’s alternative music scene, merging jangly guitars and powerful vocals into a comprehensive collection of hypnotic and haunting songs. It’s a rare blend of calmness and abrasion, where moments of quiet contemplation suddenly give way to raw energy, keeping the listener suspended between serenity and tension. With the initial notes and beats, s ivice sanjanja enchants with its intricate guitar work. The guitars on this record are a tremendous force, built on semi-distorted, reverby chord progressions that shimmer and pulse with emotion. There’s an unmistakable post-punk influence here, with jangly, angular riffs that evoke the spirit of bands like The Chameleons, The Cure, Marathon, etc. Yet proto tip brings something uniquely their own to the mix, layering the guitar with a sense of wistfulness and tension. Each riff is carefully crafted, with melodies that dance between upbeat and melancholic, producing an introspective and engaging sound. It’s the kind of guitar work that resonates in your chest and lingers long after the album ends.
The intircate basslines are another key ingredient, grounding the album with depth and warmth. Rather than simply following the lead of the guitars, the bass weaves its intricate path, supporting the melodies while adding a subtle groove that gives each song its distinct pulse. It’s a foundation that binds the different elements together, giving the music a sense of cohesion and structure. There’s a melodic quality to the bass that brings out proto tip’s indie rock influences, echoing the work of bands like Joy Division and Interpol while retaining a grittier, more grounded feel that reflects the raw energy of Belgrade’s music scene. Vocals are also a standout feature, both in terms of performance and delivery. The lead vocals are rich with emotion, exuding a sense of vulnerability that perfectly suits the album’s introspective tone. There’s a rawness in the delivery that makes each line feel deeply personal as if the singer is sharing fragments of a dream just on the edge of reality. The beautifully arranged backing harmonies and singalongs support these lead vocals, adding layers of texture that heighten the album’s sense of unity and community. The vocal arrangements create an intimate and expansive atmosphere, inviting the listener to participate in a shared experience. Drumming is nothing short of outstanding. The beats are dynamic, shifting between driving rhythms and more delicate, restrained patterns that allow the songs to breathe. The drummer’s versatility shines through in every track, propelling the music forward with intensity when needed, while also knowing when to pull back and let the other elements take center stage. The drumming adds a pulse to the album, a heartbeat that keeps everything in line while adding energy and movement to the music. Each fill, each beat feels intentional, enhancing the structure and flow of the album as a whole.
What makes s ivice sanjanja so captivating is its balance between calmness and abrasiveness. While the album has an undeniably soothing quality, there’s an edge to it, a sense of rawness that keeps it from feeling overly polished or detached. proto tip achieves atmospheric tranquility and gritty realism, blending dreamlike melodies with a rough, unfiltered sound. This contrast creates a dynamic tension that is present throughout the album, giving the music a sense of depth and complexity that forces you to repeat this album over and over again. The production deserves special praise. Recorded with a sense of warmth and authenticity, the album captures the energy of a live performance while allowing each instrument to shine. The mix is spacious yet intimate, giving the guitars, bass, and vocals room to breathe without sacrificing the cohesion that makes the album feel like a unified work. Reverb is applied tastefully, enhancing the dreamy quality of the music without drowning out its raw edge. There’s a naturalness to the sound that reflects proto tip’s DIY roots, yet the production also reveals a level of care and attention to detail that elevates the album to new heights.
Lyrically, s ivice sanjanja is introspective and thought-provoking, touching on themes of identity, nostalgia, and existential reflection. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, conjuring images that feel at once familiar and surreal like fragments of a dream slipping away upon waking. Even for those who may not understand the Serbian language, the emotion and intent behind each line are clear, carried through by the expressive delivery and the music’s emotional weight. There’s a universality to the themes that makes them resonate, regardless of language, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the album’s contemplative mood. With its jangly guitars and emotive vocals, s ivice sanjanja is a record that speaks to the heart, resonating with timeless qualities. It exemplifies the creativity and strength of this exceptional post-punk band and you should place this marvelous record on your music radar as soon as possible. Head to Pop Depresija’s website for more information about ordering.
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